Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, collectively known as STEM, are now slowly moving to the front-line in leveraging research networks and funding mechanisms to drive Africa's long term progress.

CNBC Africa is joined by Pierre-Dimitri Gore-Coty, Uber's head of operations for Europe, Middle East and Africa to discuss the company's excitement about the continent, the growing number of drivers and their plan to penetrate Soweto.

The Nigerian Technology ecosystem recently played host to a flurry of renowned tech executives and investors at the Tour of tech in Lagos, aimed at stimulating collaborations between local and international tech players.

As tech experts showcase their initiatives for the continent at the ongoing AfricaCom conference in Cape Town, Finland company which helps Finnish SMEs go international, FinPro, has 8 companies at the conference.

Many tertiary institutions around the world are beginning to offer further education in innovation studies. That's as those countries recognise the role technology-driven innovations are driving economic growth.

Secondary education is evolving globally to meet the requirements of a tech age. Joining CNBC Africa to discuss the state of secondary education in Nigeria is Bimbo Olashore, the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Olashore International School.

Most governments in developing countries rarely have the funds to provide quality education. Historically, business has been largely focused on making profits and increasing shareholder value, the modern day business person however needs to evolve.

This year marks the 11th year of GovTech conference and this year's theme was 'How Technology Improves Service Delivery for Citizen Empowerment'. Deputy Minister of Telecommunication and Postal Services Hlengiwe Mkhize spoke to CNBC Africa for more.

Forbes Africa and Philips Africa hosted the latest edition of the Future of Health Summit at a Blue Tie Brunch in Sandton. And as the symbolic blue tie suggests, November is men's month, and the event was focused on men and their health. What are the health issues men have to watch out for? And how can one ensure one has a healthy and long life?

The Future of Health Summit in association with Philips & Forbes Africa recently took place for the first time in Sandton, Johannesburg. A panel of experts including South Africa's Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi discussed the State of Healthcare in the country.

Worldwide non-communicable diseases have overtaken infectious diseases as the leading cause of mortality. Chronic diseases account for almost two-thirds of all deaths, 80 per cent of these now occur in low- and middle-income countries. On this episode of Philips African Dialogues we look at "Chronic Disease Management in a Connected World" and what needs to be done to deal with the global spread of non-communicable diseases.

The Philips African Dialogues takes on a different guise with this episode. CNBC Africa's Alexander Leibner, visits the Philips Innovation experience to bring a visual and interactive look at some cutting edge technological innovations, from lighting and creating smarter cities; to improved healthcare for the most vulnerable individuals and in keeping tabs of one's personal health.

Africa owes a big part of its economic growth and development to the richness of its natural resources, its demographic dividend and a rapidly emerging innovation culture. Innovation is fundamental in improving economic growth and the quality of life of all Africans. Countries that fail to innovate will be left behind economically. So how is Africa doing? Are we making appropriate strides in driving innovation on the continent? For a discussion CNBC Africa is joined by McLean Sibanda, CEO of the Innovation Hub; JJ van Dongen, CEO of Philips Africa: Barlow Manilal, CEO of the Technology and Innovation Agency, Chika Nwobi, Founder and Managing Partner of L5Lab in Nigeria and Ken Njoroge, Founder and CEO of Cellulant in Kenya.

Counterfeit goods in Africa are rife. World-wide, cross border trade in physical counterfeits costs the global economy USD 250 billion a year. Counterfeiters have targeted Africa as a dumping ground for their counterfeit products. This is according to the Standards Organization of Nigeria, a local media report in Nigeria. They stated that in 2011, about eighty five percent of goods in circulation in Nigeria were substandard and counterfeit. As of 2014, the level has decreased to forty percent which still implies that out of every ten products, four are counterfeit.

(Aired June 2015)
Primary care is the cornerstone of health care that is proven the most effective and efficient and meets the needs of patients, families, and communities; however, improving access to primary health care is a key challenge across Africa.

(Aired May 2015)
A century ago around 10 per cent of the world's population lived in cities. By the start of the 21st century this figure had risen to over 50 per cent, and by 2050 over two thirds of us will be living in cities.‎ On this edition of Philips African Dialogues wil be looking at what fast growing cities can do to establish reliable, efficient and environmentally sound energy solutions.

(Aired December 2013)
According to the World Bank 25 African countries face an energy crisis. The African continent is well endowed with energy resources but most remain untapped. On this edition of Philips African Dialogues we'll be discussing the solutions and partnerships needed in order to bring reliable, efficient and environmentally sound lighting and energy solutions to more people across the African continent.

(Aired October 2013)
Sub-Saharan Africa still carries a disproportionate share of the global health burden, with poverty and other related issues limiting access to healthcare. In the few places where government institutions are intervening, the quality of care often doesn't meet the greater needs of the population. In tonight' show, we'll be taking a closer look at the role of Public Private Partnerships in addressing healthcare challenges on the continent.